Edward C. Stanke In construction

Edward C. Stanke, a South Baltimore native who was in the construction business in Santa Fe, N.M., died of complications from cancer March 8 in a Houston hospital. He was 70.

Mr. Stanke moved to Santa Fe in 1946 to launch his career in home

construction and helped develop many of the housing subdivisions there.

After retiring in 1987, he was a construction consultant and investor in the field. Recently, he and others formed Stadevco Partnership, which builds affordable housing in Santa Fe.

Mr. Stanke graduated from Southern High School.

In 1942, he went to the Wingate Ordinance Military Reservation near Gallup, N.M., as an ammunition inspector.

During World War II, he was an Army staff sergeant in the South Pacific.

He is survived by his wife, the former Carol Kirk; four sons, Ward Stanke of Denver, Jay Stanke of Albuquerque, John Stanke and Guy Stanke of Santa Fe; a brother, Gardner John Stanke of Pasadena; two sisters, Gloria Dorsey of Pasadena